Tyler Legacy opens season against Lufkin with new-look offense

Published 11:25 am Thursday, August 25, 2022

It will be a new-look offense for the Tyler Legacy Red Raiders when they host the Lufkin Panthers in the 2022 season football opener at 7 p.m. Friday on Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

The Red Raiders had 4,347 yards of offense — 3,067 rushing and 1,280 passing — and 50 offensive touchdowns in 2021. Of those yards, just 129 of those yards return, and all of the touchdowns are gone. Luke Wolf was 6 of 7 for 52 yards passing, and he ran for 64 yards on 13 carries. Nate Crockett had two catches for 13 yards.

“I realize we lost some very talented players, but the young guys we’ve got coming have worked for their opportunity,” Tyler Legacy head football coach Joe Willis said. “I’ll say this, at the end of the day, football is won up front, and we have several guys, offensive line, defensive line and linebackers that are all a part of that system. And I feel like we’re better there than we have been since I have been here.”

On the defensive line, the Red Raiders have four-star senior Jordan Renaud, who in September will decide between Alabama and Oklahoma for his collegiate future. Renaud had 66 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, 13 quarterback pressures and one interception last season. Also back up front is Travis Jackson, who had 19 tackles, one sack and four quarterback pressures last season.

The Red Raiders hope to get after opposing quarterbacks all season, starting Friday against Lufkin.

“There’s no doubt that we’ve got to put pressure on the quarterback,” Willis said. “They’ve got a two-quarterback system, so both of those guys are capable of throwing it. Really for us, the key for us defensively is recognition. As long as we recognize some of the sets they’re in, I think we will be fine. Up front, they’ve got a couple of linemen that do a really good job, so we better be ready to play. And we have to stop the run. Any game you play, you better focus on stopping the run first. At that point, you make them one-dimensional, and it’s a little bit easier to put pressure on the quarterback.”

Brooks Gallagher, who had 43 tackles, one sack and three quarterback pressures in 2021, is back at linebacker.

On the offensive line, the Red Raiders have been working to find the right combination heading into the season opener. Jordan Crawford is currently sidelined with an injury.

Other offensive linemen on the roster are Jackson, Jatavian Hall, Jakylan Cole, Braylon Fields, Rodney Harden, Cash Acker, Kameron Jones, Jadalyn Jackson, Broc Marceaux, Levi Pike, Somadina Onwuzurumba, Brenden Mitchell, David Wells, BJ Ray, Will Grant, Jaydon McAdams and Khalil Tutt.

“Right now, there’s about 10 guys in the equation, so we want them to earn it here in practice,” Willis said. “We want them to prove to us that they’re ready to go on a Friday night in a game situation. So those 10 guys, maybe all 10 play on Friday night. We’re just going to keep rotating until we find the right combination. Early in the year, that’s what it’s really all about, figuring out who can get it done on Friday night.”

Crockett, who had a 75-yard touchdown reception in last week’s scrimmage against Marshall, said he’s ready to get his senior year started.

“I’m pretty excited,” Crockett said. “I’m just ready to play. I’ve been waiting to play Lufkin. I think it’s going to be a good game. We just have to make sure we execute on the plays and make sure we are all in the right mindset and make sure we are locked in and ready to play.”

After Friday, Legacy will take on rival Tyler High on Sept. 2.